Miami Marlins claim RHP Sam Dyson off waivers from Blue Jays

January 30, 2013|By Juan C. Rodriguez, Sun Sentinel

The Miami Marlins added another arm to their spring mix, claiming right-hander Sam Dyson off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.

A product of Tampa Jesuit High School and South Carolina, Dyson was the Blue Jays' fourth-round pick in 2010. He made his major league debut last season, but appeared in just two July games (two-thirds of an inning).

He split most of 2012 between high-A Dunedin and Double-A New Hampshire. Under Marlins manager Mike Redmond at Dunedin, Dyson made six starts and went 2-0 with a 4.08 ERA, five walks and 16 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings.

The New Hampshire numbers: 2-2 with a 2.38 ERA with 15 walks and 22 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings. The Blue Jays tried him as a closer and Dyson saved nine games. All 33 of his Double-A appearances were out of the pen.

At least last season Dyson seemed better suited as a reliever. His WHIP with the Fisher Cats was 1.17 compared to 1.40 in the Florida State League. Dyson did see his walks per nine innings increase from 1.6 to 3.0 and his strikeouts per nine slightly decline from 5.0 to 4.4 when he made the jump to the Eastern League.

To accommodate Dyson on the 40-man roster, the Marlins designated outfielder Kevin Mattison for assignment.